Clarke Schmidt logged another uninspiring start last night against the Blue Jays, coughing up four runs in five innings of the Yankees’ 7-1 series opening loss. It gives him 16 starts allowing three or more runs without ever completing seven innings. And while he’s largely been solid all season, certainly earning his spot as a permanent fixture in the rotation this season, there are key developmental steps I’d like to see him take before feeling comfortable with him locking up a rotation spot in 2024.
The 27-year-old righty transitioned from a multi-inning reliever role last year to a full-time starter this year, and not without significant growing pains.